Zurich, Financial center in north-central Switzerland
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and spreads along both banks of the river that flows from the lake in the south and winds through the old town. Wide streets lead from the waterfront up to residential neighborhoods on gentle hills that surround the center.
Reformer Huldrych Zwingli began preaching his movement here in 1519, turning the place into a Protestant center. Later in the 19th century the finance industry developed rapidly through banking foundations and textile trade.
On warm summer days locals jump directly into the river and float downstream with the current. This tradition of river bathing has been part of city life for many decades, with wooden platforms along the banks built specifically for this purpose.
Trams and buses run frequently to all neighborhoods, a day pass makes sense if you plan to visit multiple locations. Most shops close completely on Sundays but restaurants remain open throughout the week.
Every spring a snowman made of cotton wool is burned on a bonfire, and the faster its head explodes the better the coming summer is supposed to be. This festival called Sechseläuten attracts tens of thousands of spectators who gather to watch the spectacle unfold.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
